OZAMIZ City, Misamis Occidental – A new youth-led initiative is taking root in Northern Mindanao. The BRAVE Project—short for Building Resilient and Aware Voices for Empowerment—was formally launched at Ozamiz City National High School, marking the beginning of a strategic, year-long effort to strengthen youth leadership in the areas of climate adaptation, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The project is implemented by Jhpiego Philippines, a global health nonprofit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and is supported by Fund 4 Good, the philanthropic initiative of Olivia Rodrigo, a Grammy Award–winning Filipino-American artist. Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good focuses on advancing girls’ education, reproductive health, and gender equity around the world.
Youth as Agents of Change
BRAVE puts adolescents at the center of development by providing them with access to safe spaces, inclusive education, and leadership-building opportunities. Through school-based teen centers, peer-led campaigns, and resilience workshops, the project aims to empower young people to take active roles in responding to public health issues and the climate crisis.
The initiative is being rolled out in ten public high schools under the DepEd Ozamiz City Division, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Department of Health (DOH), and the Local Government of Ozamiz City.
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in our youth,” said Arlene Via, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking at DepEd Ozamiz. “By equipping students with the tools to lead, we’re fostering a generation that is not only informed, but also resilient and proactive.”
From Global Support to Local Impact
The BRAVE Project was born out of Rodrigo’s visit to the Philippines during her GUTS World Tour in October 2024. Moved by the potential of Filipino youth, she generously donated concert proceeds to Jhpiego through Fund 4 Good, catalyzing the launch of BRAVE in her mother’s home country.
“BRAVE started as a vision—and now it’s a reality,” said Dr. Ingrid R. Magnata, Country Program Manager for Jhpiego Philippines. “Thanks to the generosity of Olivia Rodrigo and the collective efforts of our partners in health, education, and governance, we’re enabling young Filipinos to become champions of change.”
A Holistic and Inclusive Approach
Key components of the BRAVE Project include:
- Teen Centers: Youth-friendly school-based spaces offering SRHR education, counseling, and service referrals.
- Resilience Workshops: Training sessions focused on mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being.
- Climate Literacy Activities: Peer-led campaigns and student-driven content promoting environmental awareness and action.
The launch event featured the “I Am BRAVE” Call to Action and a public Commitment Signing Ceremony, bringing together students, educators, local officials, and partner agencies to affirm their collective support for youth empowerment.
To broaden its reach, Jhpiego Philippines also launched its official Facebook page, a digital platform for updates, educational resources, and youth-led stories from the field.
Building a Movement, Not Just a Project
For students, BRAVE represents more than just an extracurricular initiative—it’s a movement that affirms their voice, agency, and role in shaping a better future.
“Being part of BRAVE has shown me that my voice matters—regardless of age or gender,” shared John Stephen Pranciliso, a student at Ozamiz City National High School. “It’s empowering to know that we can already take action—for our health, for our environment, and for each other.”
As the BRAVE Project gains momentum, it reflects a broader commitment to inclusive development, cross-sectoral collaboration, and intergenerational leadership.
“Together, we are building schools and communities that are safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient,” Dr. Magnata concluded.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
